Northeast Heights neighborhood looks to form new association to fight crime

Posted at: 02/20/2013 5:26 PM
By: Adam Camp, KOB Eyewitness News 4

A Northeast Heights neighborhood recently hit by crime is fighting back by attempting to form a neighborhood association.

Robert Flores had someone drive through his backyard wall and into his living room Saturday night. The driver ran away but police eventually arrested him. Flores said the events on Saturday are just a glimpse at the problems in the area.

"I think it's intensified. We've had thefts at our home, we've actually caught people on the side of our house, I've had two break-ins in my vehicles," Flores said.

APD’s crime mapping of Indian School to Constitution and Chelwood Park to Juan Tabo shows a similar trend. Since December 2012, there have been more than ten auto thefts and burglaries in that part of town.

Flores said his community is fighting back with a neighborhood association.

"I think that we need to come together as a community and support one another and overcome this evil that's entering our neighborhood," he said.

There has already been one association meeting in January. The next is scheduled for this weekend. Flores said over 150 attended the first meeting.

One of those attendees was Judy Haag. Last weekend two men invaded her home, shot at her and then stole her car. Police found the car but are still looking for suspects in the case. She wants more eyes watching her home, too.

"I think it will be a really good idea. It's always good to know what's happening in your neighborhood, if there's been any problems," Haag said.